minority

American  

[mahy-nawr-i-tee, -nor, mi-] / maɪˈnɔr ɪ ti, -ˈnɒr, mɪ- /

noun

plural

minorities

1. the smaller part or number; a number, part, or amount forming less than half of the whole.

2. a smaller party or group opposed to a majority, as in voting or other action.

3. a group in society distinguished from, and less dominant than, the more numerous majority.

   The ethnic minority was disproportionately affected by the reduction in preventative medical services.

4. a racial, ethnic, religious, or social subdivision of a society that is subordinated in political, financial, or social power by the dominant group, without regard to the size of these groups.

   legislation aimed at providing equal rights for minorities.

5. a member of such a group.

6. the state or period of being under the legal age of full responsibility.

   Synonyms:

   girlhood, boyhood, childhood

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adjective

1. of or relating to a minority.

minority British  

/ mɪ-, maɪˈnɒrɪtɪ /

noun

1. the smaller in number of two parts, factions, or groups

2. a group that is different racially, politically, etc, from a larger group of which it is a part

3. 1. the state of being a minor

   2. the period during which a person is below legal age Compare majority

4. (modifier) relating to or being a minority

   a minority interest

   a minority opinion

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Other Word Forms

• nonminority adjective
• prominority adjective

Etymology

Origin of minority

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English, from Middle French minorité, from Medieval Latin minōritāt-, stem of minōritās; minor, -ity

Example Sentences

"This blame can strain relationships, especially as data reveals that social care is usually responsible for only a minority of delays."

From BBC

The committee singled out several local nonprofits, focused on relief and development for minorities and marginalized groups, for criticism.

From Los Angeles Times

General Atlantic and Tidemark will take minority stakes in the company.

From The Wall Street Journal

They have since spread to other areas, especially the west, which is home to Kurdish and Lor minority groups.

From Barron's

Tom Brady, a minority partner in the Raiders, produced countless heroics on his way to winning seven Super Bowls.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• opposition